In the vain hope for rationality, reason and logic in politics. In the dream that mere citizens can see far better than the elected or appointed.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Loudoun County - Part I

I remember when Loudoun county was still somewhat rural. Actually, large parts of it are still rural. However in the last couple of years, things have taken not a turn for the worse but have proceeded headlong towards a developer's dream county. Suburban sprawl is not just here but is going everywhere. This county has been one of the fastest growing counties in the entire nation. Efforts have been made to slow down the development or even stopp it but it doesn't seem to matter who is elected to the county Board of Supervisors, development continues unabated although at different rates during different times of the year.

There was a time when most of what you saw were farms and horse ranches/farms. Then thirteen years ago, the first new developments of single family homes and townhouses started popping up. Of course there were contributions made by the developers to the politicians. The real power and the real money then was not in the farms but in what is called in these parts "Horse Money". Some would refer to these individuals and families as elitists. Their money and influence certainly bought a lot. It was well understood what their campaign contributions meant. Generally, their will was done. The farmers didn't mind what was going on because it generally never affected their pockets.

As time passed, these so called elitists wanted a few more comforts of the better populated area. They wanted more stores, newer equipment for their schools, more government services and a better law enforcement presence. Well, it would take money to make it all happen. So, what was the easiest way to get more money? Well, there's a whole bunch of new families on the eastern end of the county that moved in.